The 58-year-old, of Glenbryn Parade, Belfast, claimed he was only trying to stop trouble.

Video footage of the incident was played during the hearing at the city's Magistrates Court.

It appeared to show protesters pressed up against riot squad officers in the Peter's Hill area.

Prosecutors claimed Patton could be seen holding the stick up and directing it towards a police shield. In evidence, the defendant told the court that community representatives had sought his help that day on a one-off basis

"When I had the stick I was pointing to the officer that young lads needed to get out of the road," he said. Patton had the walking stick with him due to a bad knee, the court heard.

But after reviewing the CCTV evidence, District Judge Amanda Henderson ruled that Patton is to be bound over in the sum of £500 for two years.